It is important for those entering nursing school
to determine the financial costs of attending a
nursing program. The tuition of the nursing school
program can be high, although financial aid is often
available. Other factors to include would be time
spent off work, childcare costs, and commuting.
There are many factors involved in the cost of a
beginning a nurse career.
Tuition for nursing school is usually the same as
the general tuition for the school where the program
is offered. Nursing programs often run through at
least one summer session, and the cost of summer
tuition can be higher than the usual cost of regular
tuition, which should be considered when making the
decision to attend. While tuition at community
colleges is usually somewhat affordable, tuition at
both public and private universities continues to
rise. Private university tuition can sometimes be
exorbitantly high.
Financial aid is usually available to nursing
students in the form of scholarships and loans.
Employers will sometimes also pay for the cost of
tuition for employees, and students interested in a
nursing career should check every avenue available
to them to obtain financing for school.
Other factors to consider when determining the cost
of school include commuting costs: Students have to
drive to and from school, clinical sites, and study
groups. Childcare is also often a necessary
component for mothers and fathers attending school.
The future nurse should also consider that it is
next to impossible to work full time while attending
nursing school full time. Lost wages may be a
considerable factor in attending school.
It is important to consider all of the factors that
make up the cost of attending nursing school.
Tuition and books are not the only costs involved
for the student nurse, but also car expenses and
gas, childcare, and lost time from work. All of
these factors should be taken into consideration
when determining the true cost of nursing school.
Tuition of Program
Tuition costs vary by nursing program and should be
an important factor when choosing which nursing
school to attend to begin a nursing career.
Community college and vocational school programs are
typically supported by the state, making tuition
more affordable. Public universities may also be
supported by the state, making tuition less
expensive than at a private university. Tuition
costs can mount up, particularly when the additional
time needed for prerequisite courses is factored in.
Community colleges and public vocational schools are
often state-supported and have lower tuition costs
than other programs. Community colleges are usually
quite affordable, and many offer programs for
further tuition reductions for working families.
Vocational schools may or may not be public, and the
student should check with the program to determine
tuition costs right away. Private vocational
colleges tend to be quite a bit more expensive than
any public university or community college program.
University tuition varies by school and is
considerably more expensive at a private college,
although more expensive private schools do often
provide more options for financial aid and
scholarships than do public universities. The
quality of the education provided should also be
factored into whether or not the tuition is worth
the price of the education to pursue a nursing
career.
Tuition costs are by far the most expensive part of
a nursing education. Determining which program to
attend should include factoring in the value of the
education for the tuition charged.
Factors that Affect Cost
There are many factors that may affect the cost of a
nursing education when pursuing a nursing career.
Potential nursing students should determine the cost
of the commute to and from school and whether public
transportation is available. If childcare is a
concern, the availability and price of daycare
should also be included. Determining the value of a
public or private education should also be
considered when determining where to attend nursing
school.
New nursing students will always have some form of
commute to and from school each day. Online courses
are generally not available for every nursing school
class, particularly for students pursuing their
first degree in nursing. If walking is not an
option, there will be some form of commute. The cost
of the commute will vary depending on which method
of transportation is chosen. If the school is on a
bus route, students are often offered significantly
discounted bus passes to encourage them to use
public transportation to get to school. This can
have several benefits, including not having to find
a parking spot on campus. Travel by car can get
expensive when the cost of the car, gasoline, and
parking are added up. Travel will also be necessary
to and from clinical sites, which may or may not be
on bus routes.
Childcare is also often a necessity for those
seeking a nursing career. If childcare is available
on campus, it is sometimes offered at a discount to
students. Obtaining childcare is a necessary and
sometimes costly part of the price of a nursing
education.
Students should also determine if the price of a
private education can be justified if public
education is available. While it is sometimes easier
to obtain admission to a private vocational college,
the costs are often exorbitant, sometimes much more
than at a private university. The student needs to
determine if the price of an easier admission can be
offset by the excessive costs of some private
schools.
There are many factors that make up the cost of
nursing school beyond the price of tuition.
Commuting costs, childcare, and private college
rates should all be factors when considering the
cost of a nursing school.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is often available to students who
have decided to seek a nursing career. Financial aid
may come in the form of loans, grants, or
scholarships. If the student has been in the
military, tuition benefits are sometimes available.
Occasionally, employers will also pay the cost of
tuition for employees seeking to advance their
careers. There are usually many options available
for nursing students.
Traditional financial aid is available for most
nursing school students. Students fill out a federal
form each year around tax season, and schools are
able to determine what types of financial aid the
student qualifies for. Most students can qualify for
student loans at a minimum, but many are also
offered grants or scholarships on the basis of need.
The financial aid office of the chosen school can
help with any financial aid questions the student
might have.
If a student has ever been enlisted in the military,
she may be entitled to tuition assistance. This can
also be determined through the financial aid office
of the school the student has chosen to attend. The
military may cover tuition, books, and living
expenses while the student is enrolled in school.
Employers may also help to pay for nursing education
for their employees that are looking to further
their nursing careers. Many employers offer tuition
assistance or reimbursement after completing
courses. Students would need to check with their
employers directly to determine if they are eligible
for any of these kinds of benefits.
Most nursing students need some form of financial
aid while enrolled in school. This often comes in
the form of loans, but may also be available as
grants, scholarships, and military or employer
assistance. The student should check all avenues to
determine if she is eligible for any type of extra
financial assistance.
It is important for those entering nursing school to determine the financial costs of attending a nursing program. The tuition of the nursing school program can be high, although financial aid is often available. Other factors to include would be time spent off work, childcare costs, and commuting. There are many factors involved in the cost of a beginning a nurse career.
